|
We said a long good-bye today to some very appreciative Polish Christians at their church in Bielsk Podlaski.
It was a long day beginning at 7:00 am preparing a large amount of pancakes for 20 to 150 children for an 8 am pancake breakfast to start off a day long camp for children and teens until 4:30 pm. It ended up being 40 day campers, many younger than we had planned for, and more than a few reluctant entering the “big room” with these 7 strangely dressed Canadian youth leaders. Some not wanting to leave their mommies at all. But they determined to tough it out and before long they had truly answered our earlier prayer to turn those frowns upside down.
The day camp was a huge success due to God’s grace, the planning of our team and the enthusiastic participation of the 40 Polish children that transcended the language barrier beyond anyone’s expectations. The people of Poland are truly the greatest resource of the country.
The new pastor was not only grateful for the success of the day camp, but also for the two days of painting walls and furniture making that resulted in the complete makeover of the church’s office. Andrew Wheatley took some good before and after pictures. At the end of the long camp the pastor showed his gratitude with a traditional Polish ribbon cutting ceremony that Lyall Mix started and the pastor completed.
 
The team’s accomplishments this day included a parenting of teenagers seminar after dinner that reinforced the commonality of Canadian and Polish experiences and life’s challenges. It was almost like we spoke the same language, we certainly could relate.
It was quite a day of accomplishments and heart-felt gratitude as we slowly left the church for our hotel after exchanging gifts and hugs and assurances that this would not be the last time we would see each other and will be in each others’ prayers in the ‘amazing race’ we called our Christian walk this day. Praise be to God.
Steve Hargraves
2 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT
Hey Poland Team! It's been great reading your updates, and learning how the various events are unfolding. May the Lord give you strength and grace to finish the week well! We continue to pray for you from here...
What a difference! Nice!!
|
